Black Sea Half-Day Catamaran Cruise Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach and its bay

Sunny Beach, Slanchev Bryag in Bulgarian, is the largest seaside resort on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, with a wide sandy beach stretching for several kilometres between the old town of Nessebar to the south and the village of Sveti Vlas to the north. Behind it rise the green slopes of the Balkan Mountains as they run down to the sea.

From the deck of the catamaran you see the whole bay open up: the long line of the beach, the hills of Sveti Vlas and, on clear days, the rocky peninsula of Nessebar. A Sunny Beach boat trip is the best way to enjoy this coastline away from the crowded sand, and it is one of the most popular things to do in Sunny Beach in summer.

On board the catamaran

A catamaran is stable and spacious, with two hulls, open deck space at the front and shaded seating, so it is comfortable even for first-time sailors and families. A host from the crew welcomes you aboard in English and explains the programme, and a welcome soft drink sets the mood as the boat leaves the harbour.

The cruise lasts about four hours, with time to relax in the sun, chat and take photos of the coastline. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, and the boat is well suited to families with children, couples and groups of friends who want an easy, sunny half day on the water. Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the sun on the open deck is strong in summer.

Swimming and snorkelling in the Black Sea

The catamaran drops anchor in open water for a swimming stop. The Black Sea is about half as salty as the Mediterranean, so the water feels soft on the skin, and in summer it is pleasantly warm. Masks and snorkels are available on board, and the crew explains how to use them.

Under the surface you can look for crabs, gobies and other small fish, and, if you are lucky, the Black Sea seahorse that lives among the seagrass along this coast. Non-swimmers can relax on deck or enjoy the view from the ladder. Swimming and snorkelling are the highlight of every Black Sea catamaran trip from Sunny Beach.

Lunch on deck

After the swim, lunch is served on board. The menu includes hot pasta with Bolognese sauce, with a vegetarian alternative, assorted salads, cold meats and cheeses, fresh bread, pâté and fresh fruit, plus snacks during the cruise.

Soft drinks, coffee, tea and water are included, so you can simply relax and enjoy the meal with a view of the coast. If you have dietary needs, tell us when you book and we pass them on, as the crew prepares the vegetarian option in advance. Lunch is served at anchor or while cruising slowly, so the deck stays steady, and there is plenty of time to go back for seconds before the boat heads towards the waters where dolphins feed.

Dolphin watching on the way back

On the return leg the catamaran crosses the bay looking for dolphins. Three kinds live in the Black Sea: the bottlenose dolphin, the common dolphin and the harbour porpoise, all protected species. They are often seen in the warm months feeding near the coast, and the crew keeps a respectful distance so as not to disturb them.

Sightings are frequent but never guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. Back at the harbour, a bus takes you back to your resort area. The best time for a catamaran cruise in Sunny Beach is from June to September, when the sea is warmest and the weather most settled.